These Ground Chicken Meatballs are a kid-approved, easy-to-make weeknight dinner solution. Juicy, flavorful, and oven-baked, they’re made with pantry staples and come together in just about 30 minutes. Whether served with a dip, pasta, or in a sandwich, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets and loved by even the pickiest eaters.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.

2. Mix Bread Crumb Base:

   • In a large bowl, combine panko, milk, salt, garlic powder, egg, and olive oil.

   • Let sit for a few minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.

3. Add Chicken & Cheese:

   • Add ground chicken and Parmesan (if using) to the breadcrumb mix. Mix until just combined.

4. Form Meatballs:

   • Scoop and roll mixture into 18–20 uniform meatballs. Lightly wet hands to prevent sticking.

5. Bake:

   • Place meatballs on the baking sheet. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.

   • Bake for 20 minutes. For extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

6. Serve:

   • Serve with marinara, ranch, honey mustard, over spaghetti, or in sandwiches.

Nutrients:

(Estimated for the full recipe)

• Calories: 800–900 kcal

• Protein: 75–85g

• Fat: 45–55g

• Carbohydrates: 30–35g

Let me know if you’d like a toddler version, gluten-free adaptation, or printable recipe card!

Why Ground Chicken Makes the Perfect Base

Ground chicken is an excellent alternative to traditional beef or pork in meatball recipes. It’s leaner, lower in saturated fat, and still incredibly flavorful when prepared well. Its mild taste means it takes on seasonings beautifully, making it perfect for a variety of flavor profiles. In this recipe, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil work together to keep the meatballs moist, tender, and packed with savory goodness. It’s a smart swap that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture, and it’s often more affordable than other proteins, too.

Oven-Baked for Convenience and Health

One of the best things about this recipe is that the meatballs are baked, not fried. Baking means less mess, less oil, and a hands-off cooking process that allows you to multitask or prepare side dishes while dinner cooks. The meatballs develop a golden exterior and remain tender and juicy inside. If you want a crispier finish, a few minutes under the broiler gives them a beautifully browned top. Baking also makes cleanup a breeze—just line a tray with parchment paper and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Kid-Approved and Picky-Eater Tested

For families with selective eaters, these meatballs are a win. Their simple seasoning, soft texture, and dippable form make them approachable for even the pickiest kids. Serve them with familiar dips like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard to make them feel more like chicken nuggets—but better. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds umami without overpowering the flavor, and because they’re bite-sized, kids love eating them with their hands or fork-free. They’re great for lunchboxes, toddler meals, or finger food-friendly dinners.

Pantry Staples Make It Effortless

This recipe leans on ingredients you likely have on hand. Panko breadcrumbs add a light, crisp texture while soaking up moisture to keep the meatballs from drying out. Milk helps soften the crumbs and bind everything together. Garlic powder, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese bring just the right amount of richness and flavor. With just one egg and a bit of salt, the whole mixture comes together easily without the need for specialty spices or hard-to-find components. It’s dinner you can make on the fly—no grocery run required.

Versatile for Meals All Week Long

These meatballs are the ultimate versatile main. Serve them hot from the oven with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a comforting, kid-friendly classic. Pair them with roasted vegetables and a grain like rice or quinoa for a balanced bowl. Tuck them into slider buns with a bit of melted cheese for delicious mini meatball sandwiches. You can also offer them as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauces at parties or family gatherings. They freeze well, reheat beautifully, and adapt to almost any meal plan or dietary preference.

Lighter Than Takeout, More Satisfying Than Nuggets

With about 800 to 900 calories in the full recipe, this dish strikes a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbs. Each batch yields about 18 to 20 meatballs, which means you’re getting plenty of food for the effort. The recipe packs in 75 to 85 grams of protein, making it a great choice for growing kids, active adults, or anyone looking to stay full and energized. The fat content—around 45 to 55 grams for the batch—comes mostly from heart-healthy olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese. Carbohydrates remain relatively low at about 30 to 35 grams total, which makes these meatballs a solid option for low-carb or balanced eating plans.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

These meatballs aren’t just quick—they’re also ideal for batch cooking and freezing. You can double the recipe and freeze half the batch either raw or fully baked. To freeze before baking, roll the meatballs and place them on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely, then pack them in airtight containers or bags. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a fast, homemade meal whenever you need it. They retain their texture and flavor well, making them a perfect meal-prep solution.

Easy to Adapt for Special Diets

This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit dietary needs. For gluten-free meatballs, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version or crushed gluten-free crackers. If you’re dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. For toddlers or younger children, you can reduce the salt slightly and shape smaller meatballs for easier handling. You could even add finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots for an extra nutritional boost without changing the flavor much. The core recipe is flexible enough to meet your household’s needs.

Family-Focused, Foolproof, and Full of Flavor

What makes these Ground Chicken Meatballs a staple is their blend of convenience, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing flavor. They’re easy enough for a beginner cook and quick enough for busy families juggling work, school, and activities. You can serve them in dozens of different ways, and they always deliver on taste. Whether you’re trying to introduce new flavors to young eaters or just need a break from weeknight chaos, this recipe brings everyone to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Hero You’ll Make Again and Again

Ground Chicken Meatballs are more than just a quick dinner—they’re a dependable solution for families who need fast, healthy, and delicious meals without complication. With simple ingredients, kid-friendly appeal, and endless versatility, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight go-to in your household. Whether served with pasta, salad, in a sandwich, or solo with dipping sauce, these juicy oven-baked meatballs are guaranteed to make dinnertime easier—and tastier—for everyone at the table.